IC Area - Chapter Two - "Welcome to the Jungle..."

[apn]

OOC I did wonder about the Wizard Level vs Spell Level thing and how it applies to 'power up' spells. Are they still the same level but applied at a higher power or do they become a higher level of spell with the problems therein (other than requiring a stat minimum on IQ and Dex)? I'll re-read the book again in the sections of Classes and Magic. We'll chat about that in the OOC area rather than here if you please so we don't clutter this place up too much!

ROUND 5

---

Will Darness reveals a side to his character not seen before and abandons all pretence at skill! With a bestial cry of rage he jumps at the apes, slashing and cutting! Missing most of the time but when it does hit the blade sinks with the full force of Wills' rapidly tiring limbs!

Firdle backs up his companion with another spell targeting the wounded Ape and Klarrrrchur does what he does best - controlled fury, calculated mayhem! His weapons are a slashing, thrusting, hacking blur of death!

OOC the crunchy stuff.

Will comes up with his best total thus far, 38 HPT. Spite all counted in, BERSERK. He loses 4 points of strength (recover 1 pt/10 mins) and is on 12/16 Strength, 0 Combat adds.

Firdle is like a metronome, steadily pumping out explosive spell after spell! Take That You Fiend! for 12 HPT. That costs 2 Wiz (on 7/19), earns 2 AP (Firdle on 159) and is on Wiz 7/19.

Klarrrrchur pounds away with
Nialldubh rolls 20d6+54 = 1 +1 +6 +4 +5 +6 +1 +3 +1 +5 +3 +3 +2 +3 +4 +2 +5 +2 +3 +5 + 54=119 HPT no spite

Party Total 169

The Apes are under the kosh now! Only spite can save them!

apn rolls 19d6+59 = 3 +3 +6 +4 +4 +3 +5 +4 +1 +6 +3 +3 +6 +1 +6 +6 +1 +4 +6 + 59=134 with 3 Spite dice coming up apn rolls 3d6 = 5 +6 +1=12 for a total of 146.

Ape Total 146

The party win by 23 Points. The injured Ape takes another 12 (and drops to 3 MR) then takes another 3 points Killing it! The other two apes take 4 points apiece (and are both on 48 MR each).

It's all over bar the shouting now I reckon.

The apes, seeing one of their number scream out and collapse in the mud lose their nerve and try to escape! They are fleeing the scene of the battle!

If the party attack the Apes the apes can defend with half their HPT.

Your call whether to let them go but Will would lose another 1D6 Strength and probably drop to using one weapon. Klarrrrchur could attack them on his own but with Will being berserk, he would pitch in.

The fight turns to the parties favour. Will goes crazy and smashes into the Apes, Klarrrrchur pounds away, his weapons dripping red and mixing with mud and rain. Firdle fires off another Take That You Fiend! and smoke drifts across the battlefield amidst the pouring rain and churned up slipping quagmire underfoot.

The apes hear the death cry of one of their number and lose their nerve. The remaining two break and head for the trees! Steam rises from the heat of the party who drag in sucking breaths and feel themselves drenched not only with rain but with sweat and mud and perhaps some blood too.

It has been a hard fought victory.

OOC Summary of Round 5. Finally a break through and the Apes see their cause is lost. They try to leave the fight and their dead companion behind after deciding that the price for tasty horseflesh is one not worth paying. The party win thanks mostly to the expert warrior Klarrrrchur but also in no small part to Firdles' magic and Wills' steady attacks which culminated in a deadly berserk frenzy.

[houndle]

Will Darness
As the apes flee, Will shakes his head and slowly emerges from his berserk rage. His face is plastered with blood and sweat, he's covered in muck and his once glorious hair clings limply to his scalp. He's shaking with reaction and exhaustion.

 "That was a fight and a half," he murmurs in a cracked voice. " No profit in finishing them off that I can see. With luck we'll be away from this cursed place before they get their nerve back.  Maybe try  a different way home though."  Will takes a sip of water and cleans himself up as best he can. Wearily he goes in search of the ponies, trying to calm them with soft words.

ACTIONS
Saving roll against CHARISMA for pony wrangling
WillDarness rolls 2d6+17 = (4 +5 ) + 17  = 26 L2SR PASS

OOC All the above based on the assumption that the apes are "dead or defeated". If Klarrrrchur continues to fight them at close range that might count as an ongoing fight, in which case I think Will would have to stay berserk. He has a couple of rounds of Strength left or maybe more. 

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Aye, begone and don't look back or ai flog the hides fa ya!” Hurls abuse from the frustrated Dwarf, “creatures of nature, no evil intent; just wanting food. But, PICK THE WRONG Squad to attack! Ya grunts!” Cursed and bellowed the stout Klarrrrchur.

“That it lad, breath in, breath out, gentle breaths,” says Klarrrrchur with concern, “I remember a time off the north coast of Zorr when I was a young lad, I went berserk, ach, but that for another time...”

“Lets track Firdle's pony perhaps we can save it or at least salvage any lost equipment, if we can scare off those brutes chasing it. It be along ride back with you two Human sharing a pony. My nag will not be able to support me and another passenger!”


Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... Mostly bruise damage (major bruise damage) from the pummelling fists, the Dwarf stretches (and groans) and tries to reset his bones?

Grab pony's reins and pull beast away from dead ape, least smell chokes it.

“Daft bastard,” snorts the Dwarf at the dead ape beast, “daft bastard,” he keeps muttering...

[cupboardgnome]

Firdle
As the apes retreat and the dwarf roars about their victory, Firdle realises he's breathing heavily from the adrenalin rush and pauses to calm himself down a bit.  He feel's quite fatigued from it all and the expenditure of so much kremm.
He goes over to check on Will before starting to look for any signs of his pony, "I fear there's little chance it could have survived the apes Klarrrrchur. But I suppose it's worth a quick look.  But we must stay together, lest on our own we be picked and peeled like a banana!"
"Actually, just let me just check the map again first."
Actions
Firdle has no first aid skills or healing, but he can reassure Will and praise him on his fighting prowess.   Then check the map.

OOC Spend 120 APs to raise Firdle's Luck to 13, giving him +1 Combat Adds, and a better chance of surviving this beastly place.

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Aye Firdle, it maybe so, but we can at least try and there is no harm if we spy from the bushes,” he gave a part grimmer, part smile as still stretched his aching muscles, groaning.

The Dwarf takes the lead, pulling his pony behind him as he follows the trail of the pony and the two following ape-things. “Darn, mi bones ache, mi muscles ache, and mi brain aches, that reminds mi of a time when I once mountaineering on the peaks of the Durocks, and I fell and..., ach that is a tale best for another day!” He start muttering to himself for a few heartbeats and then moves on down the trail, using his axe like a machete if needed.


Actions:

Actions of Dwarf...It might not be difficult spy two roaring apes, but the Dwarf looks for other dangers also. The Dwarf also hoards the healing potion. He hopes he not need it, but will keep it if Firdle and Will, especially Will if he getting in close and berserker-like in future. Dwarf enjoyed the freedom and exhilarate of berserk-mode that he truly can never saviour again and and grumbles in self pity!

[apn]

The jungle comes back to life.

Where there had been sounds of rain spattering on the trees, the hiss and sway of wind through the canopy and the heavy breathing of the party, now there were chirps, calls, barks, screeches and all manner of other noises in the jungle to restore its natural din.

The party had been triumphant, but not without some cost.

With aching muscles and not a little pain Will Darness stands, covered in mud and slipping in the churned up mess of sludge and chopped up leaves that seemed to cling everywhere.

Klarrrrchur inspects his wounds. He's had worse in his time at sea and at other times over the years.

Firdle who was covered in mud and bits of leaf like everyone else, wipes his hands on his robe (which parts he can find without mud at any rate) and checks out the map.

They'd turned north at the stream fork and followed the path a way before the attack. The upside down 'U' on the map was presumably the cave entrance and they had some way to get to that. Best get started.

Showing a talent with horses Will gently approaches the two quivering beasts and whispers soothing words to them, fishing about in a saddlebag for an apple or similar to cut in half and hand out. After a couple of minutes they seem much calmer and ready to go on.

OOC Will earns 21AP for his efforts (L2 for two horses. Failure would have meant the beasts were petrified and unwilling to go on for some time. Will is on 147AP.

The party earns 180AP (Klarrrrchur) and 216AP (Will and Firdle) for the battle.

The AP totals are:

Firdle 255AP (he just spent 120 on LK, sheet updated)
Will 353AP
Klarrrrchur 266AP

Having calmed and composed the horses and gathered their wits, the party continues on foot with the trail somewhat overgrown as it leads through the forest. Indeed, there is much hacking of branches and pulling foilage aside pass through. Firdle is sure his horse bolted in the direction they are going but the chances of finding it alive are slim with two of those beastly apes on the poor things' tail.

With the rain unceasing the going is slow and the group pauses to check the map and drink some water.

OOC You've been walking for an hour. The map says you are still on course. Will recovers all of his strength. Firdle recovers 6 points of Wiz (Now on 15/19 Wiz).

Having had five minutes rest the group continues and picks its way through the steaming, sweaty jungle. Mercifully the rain seems to be easing and the party hear something else. A constant roar - not of some great beast, but of water.

With a glance at each other they continue with care and pick their way through the jungle. Still looking for his pony, Firdle notes that it may have passed this way as some branches are twisted and broken.

The jungle seems to thin slightly and the trail slopes up steadily with the roaring water growing louder in the ears.

Nearer the noise the group slow and pull aside branches to peer beyond.

Checking the map, Firdle considers the cave to be under the arc of the waterfall with the path continuing up and into the jungle. past the cave, count five hundred paces then ...

"Did you lose something?" said a female voice with something of a musical quality to it.

The party spin about with weapons bared!

Dressed in greens to match her surroundings, the Elven Ranger stands about twenty feet away to the left with Firdles' pony quietly eating grass at its feet. Other than being mud spattered and covered in fragments of leaf it seems unharmed.

The Elf then puts a finger to her mouth and says "Be quiet. The Apes live in that cave." moving the pointed finger to the cave under the waterfall.

"What business have you in the jungle?" she asks as she appraises the mud splattered party.

[houndle]

Will Darness
Will steps forward and bows, as suavely as he can hearing in mind the state of his clothes and his hair.

 "Lady," he says politely. " We are on a mission of mercy,  seeking an herb with which we may succour a stricken comrade. We were waylaid by apes and lost one of our ponies. " He nods towards the quadruped.

"Our mission is urgent, so if you cannot help us we pray at least that you do not hinder.

" Er... I don't imagine you came across a sword in the jungle did you? "

ACTIONS
Tests CHARISMA to make friends
WillDarness rolls 2d6+17 = (5 +6) + 17 = 28: L2 PASS

Tests IQ for any indication the ranger is a shapeshifter or an ape in a dress
WillDarness rolls 2d6+12 = (4 +3 )+ 12 = 19: FAIL
WillDarness rolls 2d6+12 = (4 +5 )+ 12 = 21: L1 PASS on reroll

Rather cheeky luck roll for sword
WillDarness rolls 2d6+12 = (1 +5 )+ 12 = 18: FAIL
WillDarness rolls 2d6+12 =( 5 +3) + 12 = 20: L1 PASS
OOC a bit too cheesy perhaps

OOC Will also spends 250AP on Dexterity (120+130), 80 on Constitution.
CON raised to 9
DEX raised to 14, giving an extra 2 personal adds. Also he can now throw the dagger. (Without necessarily throwing it away.)

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

“Worth a try lad,” states Klarrrrchur, “but I think yer pushing it!”

The Dwarf gives a slight bow, “you say the apes live in that cave for it is our path to our goal. How many apes might you think reside in that cave!” Said the Dwarf with a sneer in his last words. He had no wish to fight with any more of the apes; he held them no animosity, but if they attacked, he would kill!”

“Thank you for rescuing one of our ponies, we are in great haste and of need of speed!” The Dwarf fingered 'Deathhacker,' as he pondered their plight.


Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... Watching the woods for danger, still if the Elf has greater hearing than he, he relaxes a bit.

[cupboardgnome]

Firdle
Having very little charm, Firdle doesn't bother to engage the elf-maid yet.
Actions
Goes back to scrutinising the map while listening to her conversation with Will.

[apn]

OOC Will Darness is a charming rogue...

26AP for the L2SR Cha passed
Nothing for the IQ check (though you gave me a chuckle for the 'Ape in a dress'.) You can't spot the Shapeshifter with a L1SR though maybe that's something you learned to earn the AP... hmmm.
Luck check 9AP passed. This will combine with your CHA check.

35AP earned, Will is on 58AP

The Elven Ranger raises an eyebrow then smiles.

"A herb you say?" she looks around. "The jungle is host to dozens of herbs that help to heal if you have the eyes to see. Mind you that you do not take the wrong ones. There are thrice as many poisons."

Turning to the Dwarf she listens then speaks. "The cave beyond the waterfall leads deep into the earth and joins onto an ancient path said to lead up into the heart of an ancient temple, long since claimed by the jungle and its denizens."

The party twitches. Surely she's speaking of the temple they need to find?

"Other than the clan of Apes you have already met, other dangers reside in the caves. I cannot recommend you hack your way through that way. An army would fall." she says with a grim look on her face.

"Only the truly desperate or mad would consider going through the caves."

"If you go around the waterfall it will cost you hours unless you abandon your ponies. I hope you can climb if you do that. If you creep past the cave entrance you can continue on your way with care and the ponies in tow."

The Ranger considers Wills' words. "You lost a sword?" She smiles and chuckles to herself. "One of the ancient tales our people tell is that a gift given to the forest should be returned. Besides that, metal is rare here. One of my people will find it and make use of it though iron be not to our liking usually. Not all feykin are good and iron will be a useful weapon against them."

She pauses, appraising Will then smiles. The ranger draws her sword...

The party twitches! Might she be the shapeshifter or worse - an ape in disguise?

Then she reverses the sword and holds it carefully by the blade. "Make a promise to me that you will not harm the Jungle denizens unless in self defence. You will not burn or devastate the forest jungle nor willingly allow others to do so. Promise me this and my blade becomes yours. If you break this promise the blade will curse you and turn its blade upon you!"

The sword looks to be made of wood! It is beautifully carved though and shimmers with a silver sheen that seems like metal from certain angles.



"I was due to replace this one anyway." she admits. "It will last perhaps only another thirty years or so. Practically worthless but after two hundred years I'd grown fond of it."

Before Will can take the hilt she repeats "Your promise! It is a binding thing, and should not be given easily!"

[houndle]

Will Darness
Hesitates as he considers the sword. It is a magnificent weapon, but he has learned not to take such offers at face value.

 "I, I... it is a truly generous offer, my lady," he stammers. " My companions and I are unversed in the ways of the jungle, and if I seem to hesitate it is only that I fear to commit some offence through ignorance rather than malice. " He swallows as desire does battle with prudence.

 "For myself I would promise willingly, but we are three companions who depend on one another. I would not bind them to an agreement they cannot support for the sake of my own desire." He turns to his companions to seek their opinion on the ranger's offer - and her advice. 

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

The Dwarf gruffs, “ye would charm the arse off a queen Will, but ya walk right into that one as usual with yer eyes wide open!” He grumbles, “take it, we would abide by her wishes, whether she had asked for it or not!”

“We're in a rush Elven maiden, if you think the climb would be safer and actually gain time if we not need to hack our way through a tribe of four-armed apes, it might be worth a try?”

“You might know the flower, it blue, purple and yellow with spiked leaves.” Said Klarrrrchur, “if we not return soon, within a day the Human man will die. A day and a half the old crone told us before he dies and we near half-way through our trip as it is!”

“We need our ponies for return trip. Would it be asking too much if you could guide us to this other path?”


Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... A gift for a gift, the Dwarf will give his father's gift Deathcrusher for her aid...

[cupboardgnome]

Firdle
To Klarrrrchur "The safest route would be my choice. We barely survived those beastly apes! As for lost mounts, being a pony down won't matter if we are going in there." Looks towards the cave with dread. "Although our journey back to town will be slower."

[houndle]

Will Darness
With just a lingering hint of trepidation, Will stretches his hand towards the hilt of the sword.

 "Very well, my lady. I promise that I will not harm, nor permit to be harmed, any denizen of the jungle, nor harm the jungle itself, except in self defence or other dire need."

He turns to his companions.

 "I agree with the esteemed magican. By all means let us avoid danger if we can do so. We can only serve our friend by looking to our own safety until our mission is completed."

 ACTIONS
Takes the sword, if the ranger permits. Will's preference is for the (apparent) safest route but he doesn't want to be left alone in the jungle!

[nialldubh]

Klarrrrchur Deathaxe:

Klarrrrchur was a bit surprised by the Wizard's response. The Elf had spoken of a safer route and the cave was populated with giant apes; if passing by its front entrance drew some of them out, he would prefer a better route.

“I believe Master Wizard, that the same route the Elf mentions is the same route on the map. So, that's is fine by mi, but both; whether one or the same means a possible encounter with any sentries and I think we want to avoid that?!”

“This secondary path around, will still take us to this temple just as much as the path through the caves, which I must note is and never has been a suggestion my yours truly. As the old crone states, we must 'pass a cave,' and there is cert cave and we must pass by it front and perhaps more apes and this is what I mean by 'on our path to our goal,' and not by going through that hellhole!?”

“And we will need our ponies our we might as well turn back now, because he's be good as dead without them!”

"And also, we a group here, not a dictatorship and we shall decide what we do, right?"


Actions:

Actions of Dwarf... Gruff, grumble and tap his feet, fold his arms, snort, grunt, burp and fart....